How to Clean Velvet Upholstery

Velvet upholstery has a complex reputation. It’s equal parts bold, classic and, for many, kind of intimidating. We get it. Brightly lit rooms can fade richly pigmented colors, pets can make it difficult to keep the cushions clean, and children — sigh — can always make it hard to own nice things. So, sure. There may be barriers to owning high-end upholstery, but if you choose to invest in velvet, just know that it isn’t as daunting as it seems to keep it clean.

Whether you’re sourcing a vintage piece of furniture or just looking to clean up a much-loved article that you already own, these easy cleaning tips for velvet upholstery make it possible to protect and maintain your investment.

Vacuum the Surfaces

Even if you’re not doing deep cleans to protect against kids’ PBJ fingers or pet dander, vacuuming your velvet upholstery is the easiest way to keep naturally occurring dust from settling into the fabric. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment is gentle and makes it easy to agitate the material to lift dust and dirt. Avoid high-suction vacuum attachments, though. They may pull at the velvet and cause irreparable damage (especially delicate vintage fibers).

If you don’t have an upholstery attachment, use a soft-bristled brush to routinely “dust” your velvet to prevent build-up.

If you’re cleaning a sofa or chair, remove the cushions and get the vacuum into the nooks and crevices where dirt and loose change collect. A buildup of dust and dirt will stain and wear on the fibers over time.

Test Cleaning Agents

Always test cleaners on a discreet part of your velvet upholstery. You’ll want to see if it affects saturated colors or the texture of the velvet. You’ll also want to see how the velvet dries and how easily you can brush the pile to restore it to match the rest of the upholstery.

Wash and Spot Clean

Warm, bubbly dish soap and water often works well for cleaning large areas of upholstery. Spot cleaners can also help tackle deeper stains, but you should still consider cleaning a broader area to prevent lifting dye from a single spot or agitating the fibers in one small area in an unforgivable way. If you clean a 10-inch radius around the spot you’re targeting, it’ll be less obvious when it dries.

Brush the Velvet

Once any moisture has dried, you’ll need to use a soft-bristled brush to smooth down the surface of the velvet to restore the direction of the fibers and refresh the pile. Brush in the direction of the pile to even out the texture.

Always Clean Spills Fast

If liquid gets spilled on the velvet upholstery, take steps immediately to absorb the stain. Paper towels work quickly to absorb moisture, but a rag can manage larger volumes. Press deep into the material — don’t rub — and if it’s a dark stain like red wine, consider applying an upholstery cleaner to the spot to help treat for potential stains.

Know When to Ask for Professional Help

You might consider hiring a professional if your upholstery has a big, deep stain, or is delicate and vintage. They may require you to bring in your upholstery for treatment or make recommendations for cleaning it at home based on its condition. With a little know-how, they can help make sure your investment remains in excellent condition.